Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Indianapolis, IN
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Quick answer
Marion County residents can bring AA and AAA batteries, lead-acid batteries and UPS batteries free to a ToxDrop household hazardous waste drop-off on Saturday mornings.
- Household AA and AAA batteries are on Tox…
- Lithium-ion Lithium-ion batteries aren't na…
- Car battery Lead-acid batteries are accepte…
- Drop-off ToxDrop, Saturdays 9 a
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- AA and AAA batteries are on ToxDrop's accepted list. Don't put batteries out with regular trash.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium-ion batteries aren't named on ToxDrop's list. Call DPW at 317-327-4000 before bringing them, and never put them in the trash or recycling.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Lead-acid batteries are accepted at ToxDrop.
- Fire safety / packing
- Bring them in plastic crates, cardboard boxes or bins that are easy to see into, not trash bags, which may be refused. Limit 75 pounds of solid waste per visit. Tape terminals.
- Drop-off
- ToxDrop, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: 1st Saturday at Traders Point Collection Facility, 7550 N. Lafayette Rd.; 2nd and 4th Saturdays at Perry Township Government Center, 4925 S. Shelby St. Closed 3rd and 5th Saturdays and major holidays.
- Tip
- Don't leave anything at a ToxDrop site when it's closed. The City treats that as illegal dumping, with fines up to $2,500.
Official source: www.indy.gov
Helpful supplies
- Electrical terminal tape — Covering battery terminals helps keep loose batteries from sparking while you store or carry them to a drop-off.
- Battery storage case — Keeps used batteries sorted and separated until your next drop-off trip.
- Fireproof lithium battery bag — Holds lithium-ion and power-tool batteries safely while you wait for a drop-off day.
- Car battery carrier strap — Makes a heavy lead-acid battery easier to carry and keeps it upright.
- Acid-resistant gloves — Protects your hands when handling a car battery.
General tips from official sources
- To prevent fires from lithium-ion batteries, tape battery terminals and/or place batteries in separate plastic bags, and never put them in household garbage or recycling bins. (www.epa.gov)
- Batteries can have enough energy to injure or start fires even when used and when they appear to be discharged. (www.epa.gov)
- Lead-acid (car) batteries may contain up to 18 pounds of lead and about a gallon of corrosive sulfuric acid. Return them to a battery retailer or a household hazardous waste collection program. (www.epa.gov)
- Removable rechargeable batteries can go to specialized battery recyclers, participating retailers that offer battery take-back, or local household hazardous waste programs. (www.epa.gov)
FAQ
How do I get rid of batteries in Indianapolis?
Marion County residents can bring AA and AAA batteries, lead-acid batteries and UPS batteries free to a ToxDrop household hazardous waste drop-off on Saturday mornings.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Indianapolis?
AA and AAA batteries are on ToxDrop's accepted list. Don't put batteries out with regular trash.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Indianapolis?
Lithium-ion batteries aren't named on ToxDrop's list. Call DPW at 317-327-4000 before bringing them, and never put them in the trash or recycling.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Indianapolis?
Lead-acid batteries are accepted at ToxDrop.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Bring them in plastic crates, cardboard boxes or bins that are easy to see into, not trash bags, which may be refused. Limit 75 pounds of solid waste per visit. Tape terminals.
Where can I drop off batteries in Indianapolis?
ToxDrop, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: 1st Saturday at Traders Point Collection Facility, 7550 N. Lafayette Rd.; 2nd and 4th Saturdays at Perry Township Government Center, 4925 S. Shelby St. Closed 3rd and 5th Saturdays and major holidays.